One-way check valve

ABSTRACT

A sealing assembly for controlling a flow of fluid through a fluid line has a housing having a first end opposite a second end with a hollow interior extending therebetween and an elastically resilient plug disposed within the hollow interior of the housing. The plug has a body engagable with a seat within the housing and a tension member having a first end connected to the body and a second end connected to the housing. The tension member is pre-loaded in tension to urge the body of the plug against the seat to seal the hollow interior of the housing. The body is movable away from the seat when the plug is acted upon by a fluid pressure greater than a pre-load force of the tension member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/281,926, filed on Jan. 22, 2016 and entitled “Winterizing Plug forFitting on Swimming Pool”; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/316,093,filed on Mar. 31, 2016 and entitled “One-Way Check Valve”; and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/354,496, filed on Jun. 24, 2016 andentitled “One-Way Check Valve”, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a sealing apparatus forclosing off a fluid line to prevent water from entering the fluid line,and in particular, to a one-way check valve for closing of the fluidline, such as the fluid line of a swimming pool.

Brief Description of the Prior Art

It is common to employ one or more fluid lines in the sidewalls ofswimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and the like to permit surface water tobe drawn off by a pump, to be filtered at a remote location and thenoptionally heated, and returned to the pool through one or more returnports. For example, the pump may have one or more inlet lines fordrawing water from the pool into the pump and one or more water outletlines for pumping water into the pool after it has been filtered and/orheated. The inlet and/or outlet lines (hereinafter referred to as “fluidline” or “fluid lines”) may run underground between the pool and thepump located at a remote location from the pool. When the pool isclosed, for example during the winter season, it is sometimes desirableto maintain a lower level of water in the pool. Even if completelydrained, the water level in the pool tends to naturally rise due torainwater and melting snow, such that the water level oftentimes risesto a level of the fluid line opening or above. In such cases, it isnecessary to close off the fluid line to prevent backflow of waterthrough the fluid line conduit to the filtration, pump equipment, and/orheater so as to prevent damage to the fluid line, filtration equipment,and/or heater due to freezing during the cold winter months.

One common way of closing off the fluid line is to employ a threadedplug that threadably mates with the terminal end of the fluid line. Theplug is threadably secured with the fluid line to seal the conduitcommunicating with the pump and filtration equipment. These priordevices may lose their effectiveness due to weathering of the sealmaterial, and also may require special retrofitting of the fluid lineopening member to enable a threaded connection. Accordingly, there is aneed in the art for an improved sealing apparatus for closing off afluid line to prevent water from entering the fluid line when the poolis closed for the season. There is also a need in the art for animproved sealing apparatus configured for use as a one-way check valvein various other environments, including, without limitation, the foodservice industry, the petrochemical industry, and various otherindustrial processes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present sealing apparatus, in accordance with one preferred andnon-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, is directedto a sealing apparatus for closing off a fluid line to prevent waterfrom entering the fluid line when the pool, spa, hot tub, or the like isclosed for the season. The sealing apparatus may be used with a fluidline on a swimming pool and may be designed dimensionally to fit commoncircularly-shaped fluid line openings of various sizes.

In accordance with one preferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspectof the present disclosure, a sealing assembly for controlling a flow offluid through a fluid line may have a housing having a first endopposite a second end with a hollow interior extending therebetween andan elastically resilient plug disposed within the hollow interior of thehousing. The plug may have a body engagable with a seat within thehousing and a tension member having a first end connected to the bodyand a second end connected to the housing. The tension member may bepre-loaded in tension to urge the body of the plug against the seat toseal the hollow interior of the housing. The body may be movable awayfrom the seat when the plug is acted upon by a fluid pressure greaterthan a pre-load force of the tension member.

In accordance with other preferred and non-limiting embodiments oraspects of the present disclosure, the housing may have a flange thatprotrudes radially outward from the housing at the first end of thehousing. The flange may have one or more gripping members to facilitatehandling of the housing during connection of the housing to the fluidline. The flange may have one or more threads to threadably interfacewith at least a portion of the fluid line to removably connect thehousing to the fluid line. At least one of the body of the plug and theseat may have a conical shape. The seat may have a liner, wherein thebody of the plug directly engages the liner. The plug may be made froman elastomeric material. The second end of the tension member may have abulbous tail that is received in a slot between a pair of substantiallyparallel bars extending across the hollow interior of the housing. Theplug may have at least one gripping element protruding from at least oneof the body and the bulbous tail. The plug may have a core and a coverat least partially surrounding the core. The core is hollow or solid,and may completely envelops the core.

In accordance with other preferred and non-limiting embodiments oraspects of the present disclosure, a one-way check valve may have ahousing having a hollow interior and an elastomeric plug sealing thehollow interior of the housing. The plug may have a body engaged with aseat within the housing and a pre-loaded tension member having a firstend connected to the body and a second end connected to the housing. Theplug may be movable away from the seat when the plug is acted upon by afluid pressure greater than a pre-load force of the tension member.

In accordance with other preferred and non-limiting embodiments oraspects of the present disclosure, the housing may have a flange thatprotrudes radially outward from the housing at the first end of thehousing. The flange may have one or more gripping members to facilitatehandling of the housing during connection of the housing to the fluidline. The flange may have one or more threads to threadably interfacewith at least a portion of the fluid line to removably connect thehousing to the fluid line. At least one of the body of the plug and theseat may have a conical shape. The second end of the tension member mayhave a bulbous tail that is received in a slot between a pair ofsubstantially parallel bars extending across the hollow interior of thehousing. The plug may have a core and a cover at least partiallysurrounding the core.

In accordance with other preferred and non-limiting embodiments oraspects of the present disclosure, a sealing assembly for controlling aflow of fluid through a fluid line may have a housing having a first endopposite a second end with a hollow interior extending therebetween, andan elastomeric plug disposed within the hollow interior. The plug mayhave a body engagable with a seat within the housing and an elasticcompression member having a first end connected to the body and a secondend connected to the housing. The compression member may be pre-loadedin compression to urge the body of the plug against the seat to seal thehollow interior of the housing. The body may be movable away from theseat when the plug is acted upon by a fluid pressure greater than apre-load force of the compression member.

In accordance with other preferred and non-limiting embodiments oraspects of the present disclosure, the sealing apparatus may be definedby one or more of the following clauses:

Clause 1. A sealing assembly for controlling a flow of fluid through afluid line, the sealing assembly comprising:

a housing having a first end opposite a second end with a hollowinterior extending therebetween;

an elastically resilient plug disposed within the hollow interior, theplug having a body engagable with a seat within the housing and atension member having a first end connected to the body and a second endconnected to the housing,

wherein the tension member is pre-loaded in tension to urge the body ofthe plug against the seat to seal the hollow interior of the housing,and

wherein the body is movable away from the seat when the plug is actedupon by a fluid pressure greater than a pre-load force of the tensionmember.

Clause 2. The sealing assembly of clause 1, wherein the housingcomprises a flange that protrudes radially outward from the housing atthe first end of the housing.

Clause 3. The sealing assembly of clause 2, wherein the flange comprisesone or more gripping members to facilitate handling of the housingduring connection of the housing to the fluid line.

Clause 4. The sealing assembly of clause 2 or clause 3, wherein theflange comprises one or more threads to threadably interface with atleast a portion of the fluid line to removably connect the housing tothe fluid line.

Clause 5. The sealing assembly of any of clauses 1-4, wherein at leastone of the body of the plug and the seat have a conical shape.

Clause 6. The sealing assembly of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the seatcomprises a liner and wherein the body of the plug directly engages theliner.

Clause 7. The sealing assembly of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the plugis made from an elastomeric material.

Clause 8. The sealing assembly of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the secondend of the tension member has a bulbous tail that is received in a slotbetween a pair of substantially parallel bars extending across thehollow interior of the housing.

Clause 9. The sealing assembly of clause 8, wherein the plug has atleast one gripping element protruding from at least one of the body andthe bulbous tail.

Clause 10. The sealing assembly of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the plugcomprises a core and a cover at least partially surrounding the core.

Clause 11. The sealing assembly of clause 10, wherein the core is hollowor solid.

Clause 12. The sealing assembly of clause 10 or clause 11, wherein thecover completely envelops the core.

Clause 13. A one-way check valve comprising:

a housing having a hollow interior;

an elastomeric plug sealing the hollow interior of the housing, the plughaving a body engaged with a seat within the housing and a pre-loadedtension member having a first end connected to the body and a second endconnected to the housing,

wherein the plug is movable away from the seat when the plug is actedupon by a fluid pressure greater than a pre-load force of the tensionmember.

Clause 14. The one-way check valve of clause 13, wherein the housingcomprises a flange that protrudes radially outward from the housing atthe first end of the housing.

Clause 15. The one-way check valve of clause 14, wherein the flangecomprises one or more gripping members to facilitate handling of thehousing during connection of the housing to the fluid line.

Clause 16. The one-way check valve of clause 14 or clause 15, whereinthe flange comprises one or more threads to threadably interface with atleast a portion of the fluid line to removably connect the housing tothe fluid line.

Clause 17. The one-way check valve of any of clauses 13-16, wherein atleast one of the body of the plug and the seat have a conical shape.

Clause 18. The one-way check valve of any of clauses 13-17, wherein thesecond end of the tension member has a bulbous tail that is received ina slot between a pair of substantially parallel bars extending acrossthe hollow interior of the housing.

Clause 19. The one-way check valve of any of clauses 13-18, wherein theplug comprises a core and a cover at least partially surrounding thecore.

Clause 20. A sealing assembly for controlling a flow of fluid through afluid line, the sealing assembly comprising:

a housing having a first end opposite a second end with a hollowinterior extending therebetween;

an elastomeric plug disposed within the hollow interior, the plug havinga body engagable with a seat within the housing and an elasticcompression member having a first end connected to the body and a secondend connected to the housing,

wherein the compression member is pre-loaded in compression to urge thebody of the plug against the seat to seal the hollow interior of thehousing, and

wherein the body is movable away from the seat when the plug is actedupon by a fluid pressure greater than a pre-load force of thecompression member.

These and other features and characteristics of the improved sealingapparatus, as well as the methods of operation and functions of therelated elements of structures and the combination of parts andeconomies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon considerationof the following description and the appended claims with reference tothe accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of thisspecification, wherein like reference numerals designate correspondingparts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however,that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and descriptiononly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a sealing apparatus of onepreferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the presentdisclosure showing the sealing apparatus in an open position;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the sealing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 showingthe sealing apparatus in an open position;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional top view of the sealing apparatus shown inFIG. 2 taken along a longitudinal centerline, showing a plug in a closedposition;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of the sealing apparatus shown inFIG. 2 taken along a longitudinal centerline, showing a plug in a closedposition;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional top view of the sealing apparatus shown inFIG. 2 taken along a longitudinal centerline, showing a plug in an openposition;

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional side view of the sealing apparatus shown inFIG. 2 taken along a longitudinal centerline, showing a plug in an openposition;

FIG. 4A is a rear perspective view of a plug of the sealing apparatusshown in FIGS. 3A-3B;

FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of the plug shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a housing of the sealing apparatusshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a sealing apparatus of anotherpreferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the sealing apparatus shown inFIG. 6 taken along a longitudinal centerline;

FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of a plug of the sealing apparatusshown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 8B is a rear perspective view of the plug shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a sealing apparatus of anotherpreferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the sealing apparatus shown inFIG. 9 taken along a longitudinal centerline;

FIG. 11A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the sealing apparatusshown in FIG. 10 showing the sealing apparatus in a closed position;

FIG. 11B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the sealing apparatusshown in FIG. 10 showing the sealing apparatus in an open position;

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a sealing apparatus of anotherpreferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the sealing apparatusshown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a sealing apparatus of anotherpreferred and non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 15 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the sealing apparatusshown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16A is a side cross-sectional view of a plug for use with a sealingapparatus in accordance with one preferred and non-limiting embodimentor aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 16B is a side cross-sectional view of a plug for use with a sealingapparatus in accordance with another preferred and non-limitingembodiment or aspect of the present disclosure.

In FIGS. 1-16B, the same characters represent the same components unlessotherwise indicated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” includesplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, spatial or directional terms, such as “left”, “right”,“up”, “down”, “inner”, “outer”, “above”, “below”, and the like, relateto various features as depicted in the drawing figures. However, it isto be understood that various alternative orientations can be assumedand, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting.

Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein are tobe understood to encompass any and all subranges or subratios subsumedtherein. For example, a stated range or ratio of “1 to 10” should beconsidered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of)the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, allsubranges or subratios beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more andending with a maximum value of 10 or less, such as but not limited to, 1to 6.1, 3.5 to 7.8, and 5.5 to 10.

As used herein, the term “substantially parallel” means a relative angleas between two objects (if extended to theoretical intersection), suchas elongated objects and including reference lines, that is from 0° to5°, or from 0° to 3°, or from 0° to 2°, or from 0° to 1°, or from 0° to0.5°, or from 0° to 0.25°, or from 0° to 0.1°, inclusive of the recitedvalues.

All documents, such as but not limited to issued patents and patentapplications, referred to herein, and unless otherwise indicated, are tobe considered to be “incorporated by reference” in their entirety.

With reference to FIGS. 1-2, a sealing apparatus 100 is configured foruse with a fluid line 102 (shown in FIG. 2) of a pool, spa, hot tub, orthe like. The sealing apparatus 100 is configured to close off the fluidline 102 to prevent water from entering the fluid line 102. In oneaspect, the sealing apparatus 100 may be connected to a fitting 104(shown in FIG. 2) provided on a wall 106 of the pool, spa, hot tub, orthe like. The fitting 104 is typically provided at the terminal end ofthe fluid line 102. The fitting 104 may have a front fascia thatconceals an opening in the wall 106 and a central opening 108 thatremovably or non-removably connects with the fluid line 102. In someaspects, at least one of the fluid line 102 and the fitting 104 may bemade from a plastic material, such as ABS plastic. One or more adapters(not shown) may be disposed between the fluid line 102 and the fitting104.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-2, the sealing apparatus 100 isconfigured to be removably connected to at least one of the fluid line102 and the fitting 104. In one preferred and non-limiting embodiment,the sealing apparatus 100 may removably connect to the fitting 104 byone or more external threads 110 that threadably interface with the oneor more internal threads 112 on the fitting 104. One of ordinary skillin the art will readily appreciate that various other connectionmechanisms may be provided to removably connect the sealing apparatus100 with the fitting 104. A seal, such as an O-ring 114, may be providedat an interface between the sealing apparatus 100 and the fitting 104 toseal against water intrusion between these components. In some examples,the O-ring 114 may be formed as a separate component that issubsequently installed around a flange 136 at the first end 118 of thehousing 116. In other examples, the O-ring 114 may be monolithicallyformed with the flange at the first end 118 of the housing 116, such asby overmolding. In this manner, the O-ring 114 and the housing 116 areformed as a single, unitary piece. In various examples, the O-ring 114may be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer material.

With reference to FIGS. 3A-3D, the sealing apparatus 100 generally has ahousing 116 that is configured for connecting with at least a portion ofthe fitting 104 and/or the fluid line 102. In some aspects, the housing116 has one or more external threads 110 that threadably interface withthe internal threads 112 on the fitting 104. The housing 116 has agenerally circular cross-section with a hollow interior between a firstend 118 and a second end 120 extending along a longitudinal axis 122.The housing 116 receives a plug 124 to seal the housing interior betweenthe first end 118 and the second end 120.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3A-3D, the housing 116 may narrow fromthe first end 118 to the second end 120 such that a cross-sectionaldiameter at the first end 118 is larger than that of the second end 120.A conical portion 132 is provided between the first end 118 and thesecond end 120 along the longitudinal axis 122. An interior of theconical portion 132 defines a seat 134 against which the plug 124interfaces when the plug 124 is in a closed position. In some examples,a plug liner (not shown) may be provided such that the plug 124interfaces directly with the plug liner instead of the seat 134. Theplug liner may be formed from an elastically resilient material, such asan elastomer, including, but not limited to rubber. The plug liner mayhave a substantially conical shape that corresponds to the shape of theconical portion 132 of the housing 116. The plug liner may be removablyor non-removably connected to the housing 116. The plug liner may be acoating that is deposited on the seat 134 to improve the sealingcharacteristics of the seat 134.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3A-3D, the first end 118 of thehousing 116 may have a flange 136 that protrudes radially outward fromthe body of the housing 116. The flange 136 may have one or moregripping members 138 (shown in FIG. 1) to facilitate handling of thehousing 116 as the housing 116 is rotated to connect the housing 116with the fitting 104 and/or the fluid line 102. The O-ring 114 may abutagainst the flange 136 such that the O-ring 114 is compressed betweenthe flange 136 and the fitting 104 when the sealing assembly 100 isinstalled.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3A-3D, the second end 120 of thehousing 116 may have a generally cylindrical shape with a recess 140formed at the terminal portion of the second end 120. The recess 140extends through the sidewall of the housing 116 in a directionsubstantially perpendicular to a direction of the longitudinal axis 122into the body of the housing 116. In some aspects, the recess 140 mayhave an open end 142. In some aspects, a pair of recesses 140 extendsinto the sidewall of the housing 116 such that the recesses 140 arediametrically opposed to one another.

The first end 118, the second end 120, the conical portion 132, and therecess 140 may be formed as a uniform, monolithic structure. In someaspects, the entire housing 116 may be formed from a plastic material,such as ABS plastic.

With reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, and with continued reference to FIGS.3A-3D, the plug 124 is formed as a resiliently elastic body that isinserted into the interior of the housing 116 for sealably interfacingwith the seat 134. The plug 124 is movable between a first, closedposition (FIGS. 3A-3B), where the plug 124 seals the interior of thehousing 116 and prevents fluid from passing therethrough, and a second,open position, where the plug 124 is disengaged from the seat 134 toallow fluid to flow through the housing 116 (shown in FIGS. 3C-3D). Invarious aspects, the plug 124 may be made from an elastomeric material,such as rubber. The composition of the elastomeric material of the plug124 may be formulated to be chemically resistant to a variety of fluids,such as water, oil, hydraulic fluid, various gases, and any other liquidor gas. The plug 124 has a substantially conical body 146 and a tensionmember 148 extending from the body 146. The shape of the body 146desirably corresponds to the shape of the seat 134 such that the plug124 may be in surface-to-surface contact with the seat 134 when the plug124 is in the closed position, as discussed herein.

With continued reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, the body 146 of the plug 124has one or more sealing elements 160. In some aspects, the one or moresealing elements 160 may be formed as one or more sealing rings thatextend around the circumference of the body 146 of the plug 124. The oneor more sealing elements 160 may extend continuously or discontinuouslyaround the circumference of the body 146 of the plug 124. The one ormore sealing elements 160 may be spaced apart longitudinally at equal orunequal intervals. In some aspects, the one or more sealing elements 160may be monolithically formed with the body 146 of the plug 124. In otheraspects, the one or more sealing elements 160 may be formed separatelyand connected to the body 146. For example, the one or more sealingelements 160 may be fitted into a circumferential groove formed on thebody 146. The one or more sealing elements 160 are configured to engagethe seat 134 on the housing 116 such that a water-tight seal is formedaround the circumference of the plug 124 at the interface between theone or more sealing elements 160 and the seat 134 on the housing 116.

With continued reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, the tension member 148 has afirst end 148 a connected to the body 146 of the plug 124 and a secondend 148 b extending from the first end 148 a along a longitudinal axisof the body 146 of the plug 124. The second end 148 b terminates in abulbous tail 190, at least a portion of which extends radially outwardrelative to a longitudinal length of the tension member 148. In someaspects, the tail 190 may be substantially cylindrical and be configuredto engage a retaining mechanism on the housing 116, as described herein.The plug 124 is configured to be installed in the interior of thehousing 116 (shown in FIG. 3B) such that the body 146 is seated againstthe conical portion of the housing 116 and the second end 148 b of thetension member 148 is connected to the housing 116 by way of the tail190. The plug 124 may be pre-loaded such that the plug 124 is biased ina normally closed position due to the resiliently elastic properties ofthe tension member 148. In this manner, a watertight seal is provided atthe interface between the plug 124 and the housing 116 to prevent waterfrom flowing back into the fluid line 102 through the housing 116.

With reference to FIG. 5, the housing has a slot 194 for receiving thetail 190 of the plug 124 (shown in FIG. 3B). In some examples, the slot194 is defined by a pair of substantially parallel bars 196 that extendacross a space between opposing sides of the inner sidewall of thehousing 116 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinalaxis of the housing 116. The bars 196 may be shaped to correspond to theshape of the tail 190. For example, the bars 196 may have asubstantially arcuate shape to define a semi-circular cavity forreceiving the tail 190. The tail 190 and the bars 196 may be shaped tohave a smooth transition therebetween. In this manner, the tail 190 andthe bars 196 together define an optimized surface with hydromechanicalproperties that allow high flow rates around the plug 124. In addition,the shape of the tail 190 and the bars 196 prevents vibration of theplug 124 due to fluid flow and/or the formation of bubbles in fluid flow(cavitation).

The bars 196 may be positioned axially such that the tension member 148must be pulled in a distal direction to allow the tail 190 to beinserted between the bars 196 through a slit 198 formed in one or bothof the bars 196. In some examples, a first portion of the tail 190 isreceived between the bars 196 while a second portion of the tail 190extends radially outward relative to the bars 196 to allow the user togrip the tail 190 during installation and removal of the plug 124. Insome examples, the tail 190 may have a recess 191 that engages the bars196. The slit 198 may extend through at least one of the bars 196 suchthat it bisects the bar 196 into two portions 196 a, 196 b separated bya space 200. The space 200 is desirably at least slightly wider than anarrowest width of the tension member 148. The tension member 148 may beinserted through the space 200 when installing or removing the plug 124on or from the housing 116.

In some aspects, the plug 124 may have one or more stabilizing elements(not shown) to help stabilize the plug 124 as fluid flows around thebody 146 when the sealing apparatus 100 is in an open position. The oneor more stabilizing elements may be configured to hydrodynamicallybalance the plug 124 in fluid flow in order to prevent fluttering of theplug 124 due to uneven hydrodynamic forces on the plug 124. In variousaspects, the one or more stabilizing elements may be formed as ribs,wings, protrusions, or other features that protrude radially outwardfrom the plug 124 and/or extend radially inward into the plug 124.

Referring again to FIGS. 3A-3B, the plug 124 is configured to beinstalled in the interior of the housing 116 such that the body 146 isseated against the conical portion 132 of the housing 116 and thetension member 148 is connected to the slot 194 by way of the tail 190.In some aspects, the plug 124 may be shorter than a distance between theseat 134 and the slot 194 such that at least a portion of the plug 124is stretched when the plug 124 is installed between the seat 134 and theslot 194. In this manner, the tension member 148 is pre-loaded with aforce that urges the body 146 against the seat 134. The tension member148 may have a smaller cross-section relative to the body 146 of theplug 124 such that the tension member 148 is stretched when the plug 124is installed between the seat 134 and the recess 140. In some aspects,the entire plug 124 may deform elastically when the plug 124 isinstalled between the seat 134 and the recess 140 of the housing 116.The elastic force stored in the plug 124, such as the elastic force inthe tension member 148, urges the plug 124 against the seat 134. Thetension member 148 thus functions similar to a bungee cord that isstretched to have a pre-loaded elastic restoring force. In this manner,a watertight seal is provided at the interface between the plug 124 andthe housing 116 to prevent water from flowing back into the fluid line102 through the housing 116. The hydraulic force of the water acting onthe face of the plug 124 further urges the plug 124 against the seat134.

In some examples, such as shown in FIGS. 14-15, a closure member 164 maybe provided at the second end 120 of the housing 116. The closure member164 is configured to fit around the second end 120 of the housing 116such that the closure member 164 envelops the second end 120. Thehousing 116 has at least one pocket 166 that extends longitudinally suchthat the closure member 164 covers at least a portion of the pocket 166.The closure member 164 may be configured as a cup-shaped element thatextends around a pin 144 and a receiver 150. In some aspects, theclosure member 164 may have a stop element that is configured to engageat least a portion of the housing 116 and/or the pin 144. In use, theclosure member 164 prevents the plug 124 from being disconnected fromthe housing 116 due to any fluttering of the plug 124 as a result ofpressure fluctuations in fluid flow through the housing 116. Inaddition, the closure member 164 may act as a recoil compensator toprevent the plug 124 from being disconnected from the housing 116 duringsudden changes in fluid pressure that force the plug 124 to be withdrawntoward the distal end under the restoring elastic force of the tensionmember 148. Fluid may flow around the housing 116 and through at leastone pocket 166 before flowing past the plug 124.

To install the plug 124 on the housing 116, the tail 190 and the tensionmember 148 are inserted through a front opening on the housing 116 untilthe body 146 engages the seat 134. The tail 190 is then pulledrearwardly past the bars 196, thereby tensioning the tension member 148,which is inserted between the bars 196 through the slit 198. The tail190 can then be released, which causes the tail 190 to engage the bars196 and be retained between the bars 196. The tension member 148 remainsin a tensioned state even after the tail 190 engages the bars 196 inorder to maintain the body 146 of the plug 124 in a sealed state againstthe seat 134. To remove the plug 124 from the housing 116, the tail 190can be pulled rearwardly, thereby disengaging the tail 190 from contactwith the bars 196. The tension member 148 can then be pulled through theslit 198, such as by twisting the tension member 148 to align itsnarrowest dimension with the slit 198. After passing the tension member148 through the slit 198, the plug 124 can be pulled through the frontopening on the housing 116.

Having described the structure of the sealing assembly 100 in accordancewith various aspects, a method of operation of the sealing assembly 100will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3A-3D. The followingdiscussion focuses on the installation and operation of the sealingassembly 100 on a return line of a swimming pool pump (not shown).However, the same or similar installation and operating procedure may befollowed in various other installations of the sealing assembly 100.After installing the sealing assembly 100 to the fluid line 102 bythreadably mating the housing 116 with the fitting 104, fluid supply tothe pump is shut off and the pump is run to pump fluid through the fluidline 102. The flow of fluid through the fluid line 102 in the directionof arrow A shown in FIGS. 3C-3D urges the plug 124 away from the seat134 such that fluid may flow through an annular space defined betweenthe plug 124 and the seat 134. In this manner, the plug 124 is movedfrom the closed position (FIGS. 3A-3B) to an open positon (FIGS. 3C-3D).The axial movement of the plug 124 in the direction of the longitudinalaxis 122 may be limited by an optional plug stop (not shown). When thepump starts cavitating (i.e., drawing air instead of fluid), the pumpmay be shut off. After the pump is shut off, the pressure of the fluidin the pool acts on the face of the plug 124 and urges the plug 124toward the seat 134. In addition, the elastic restoring energy stored inthe tension member 148 pulls the body 146 toward the seat 134 and/or theplug liner 126. The plug 124 seals the fluid line 102, therebypreventing fluid from the pool from flowing back into the fluid line102. In order to purge any remaining fluid from the fluid line 102, air(such as compressed air or air from a blower) may be blown into thefluid line 102 in the direction of arrow A shown in FIGS. 3C-3D. Theforce of the air acts on the body 146 of the plug 124, thereby unseatingthe plug 124 from the seat 134 to allow the remaining fluid and air tobe purged from the fluid line 102. Once fluid has been purged, removingthe air pressure allows the tension member 148 of the plug 124 to pullthe body 146 back into a sealing engagement with the seat 134. In thismanner, the sealing assembly 100 acts as a one-way check valve to sealthe fluid line 102 and prevent fluid from flowing back into the fluidline 102. An optional cap may be removably secured, such as by athreaded connection, to the first end 118 of the housing 116 once fluidhas been purged from the fluid line 102 to further seal the sealingassembly 100.

With reference to FIGS. 6-7, a sealing apparatus 100′ is shown inaccordance with another embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure.The components of the sealing apparatus 100′ shown in FIGS. 6-7 aresubstantially similar to the components of the sealing apparatus 100described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-5. Reference numerals inFIGS. 6-7 are used to illustrate identical components of thecorresponding reference numerals in FIGS. 1-5. Only the relativedifferences between the sealing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-5 and thesealing apparatus 100′ shown in FIGS. 6-7 are discussed hereinafter.

The sealing apparatus 100′ in FIGS. 6-7 has a substantially similarstructure to the sealing apparatus 100 described with reference to FIGS.1-5, with the exception that the sealing apparatus 100′ in FIGS. 6-7 hasa flange 136 having a shape configured to facilitate connection of thehousing 116 to the fluid line 102. Specifically, the flange 136 may havea hexagonal or other polygonal shape configured for interfacing with aconnection tool, such as a wrench, to rotate the housing 116 in order tothreadably engage the housing with the fluid line 102 by way of threads137.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 7-8B, the plug 124 may have at least onegripping element 192 that is configured for being gripped by a userduring installation and/or removal of the plug 124 to and from thehousing 116. In some examples, the plug 124 may have at least onegripping element 192 on the body 146 of the plug 124 and at least onegripping element 192 on the tail 190 of the plug 124. The grippingelement 192 may be formed as a projection that has a first end attachedto the body 146 and/or the tail 190 and a second end extending away fromthe body 146 and/or the tail 190. The gripping element 192 may bemonolithically formed with the body 146 and/or the tail 190, or it maybe removably or non-removably attached to the body 146 and/or the tail190. The gripping element 192 is configured to allow the user to gripthe plug 124 and pull the tension member 148 during installation andremoval of the plug 124 on the housing 116.

With reference to FIGS. 8A-8B, the body 146 of the plug 124 may have atleast one lip seal 161. In some examples, the at least one lip seal 161may be formed as a sealing ring that extends around the circumference ofthe body 146 of the plug 124. The at least one lip seal 161 may beformed as a deflectable protrusion that extends radially outward fromthe body 146 of the plug 124. The at least one lip seal 161 isdeflectable from a first, undeflected position, such as shown in FIGS.8A-8B, and a second, deflected position, such as when the plug 124 isinstalled in the housing 116 and is in a closed position (shown in FIG.7). The at least one lip seal 161 desirably extends continuously aroundthe entire circumference of the body 146 of the plug 124. In someexamples, the at least one lip seal 161 may be monolithically formedwith the body 146 of the plug 124. In other examples, the at least onelip seal 161 may be formed separately and connected to the body 146. Forexample, the at least one lip seal 161 may be fitted into acircumferential groove formed on the body 146. The at least one lip seal161 is configured to engage the seat 134 on the housing 116 such that awater-tight seal is formed around the circumference of the plug 124 atthe interface between the at least one lip seal 161 and the seat 134 onthe housing 116.

With reference to FIGS. 9-11B, a sealing apparatus 100″ is shown inaccordance with another embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure.The components of the sealing apparatus 100″ shown in FIGS. 9-11B aresubstantially similar to the components of the sealing apparatus 100described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-5. Reference numerals inFIGS. 9-11B are used to illustrate identical components of thecorresponding reference numerals in FIGS. 1-5. Only the relativedifferences between the sealing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-5 and thesealing apparatus 100″ shown in FIGS. 9-11B are discussed hereinafter.

Whereas the sealing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-5 is configured to beinstalled at a terminal end of a fluid line, such as at an end of afluid line opening into a swimming pool, the sealing apparatus 100″ isconfigured for use as an in-line check valve. The sealing assembly 100″has a housing 116 having a first portion 116 a and a second portion 116b removably joined together by a clamp 117. The first and secondportions 116 a, 116 b may have a flared end 119 that is configured tofit inside the clamp 117 to prevent the housing 116 from separatingaxially. In other examples, the first and second portions 116 a, 116 bmay be welded together, or be adhesively connected together. Terminalends of the first and second portions 116 a, 116 b opposite the clamp117 are configured for connecting to pipe sections (not shown) such thatthe sealing assembly 100″ is disposed in-line between adjoining pipesections.

The plug 124 is formed as a resiliently elastic body that is insertedinto the interior of the housing 116 for sealably interfacing with theseat 134. The plug 124 is movable between a first, closed position (FIG.11A), where the plug 124 seals the interior of the housing 116 andprevents fluid from passing therethrough, and a second, open position,where the plug 124 is disengaged from the seat 134 to allow fluid toflow through the housing 116 in the direction of arrow B (shown in FIG.11B). In various aspects, the plug 124 may be made from an elastomericmaterial, such as rubber. The composition of the elastomeric material ofthe plug 124 may be formulated to be chemically resistant to a varietyof fluids, such as water, oil, hydraulic fluid, various gases, and anyother liquid or gas. The plug 124 has a substantially conical body 146and a tension member 148 extending from the body 146. The shape of thebody 146 desirably corresponds to the shape of the seat 134 such thatthe plug 124 may be in surface-to-surface contact with the seat 134 whenthe plug 124 is in the closed position, as discussed herein.

With reference to FIGS. 12-13, a sealing assembly 200 is shown inaccordance with another preferred and non-limiting example. The sealingassembly 200 is configured for use as an in-line check valve. Thesealing assembly 200 has a housing 216 having a first portion 216 a anda second portion 216 b removably or non-removably joined together. Forexample, the first and second portions 216 a, 216 b may be permanentlyjoined together by welding or adhesive. In other examples, the first andsecond portions 216 a, 216 b may be removably joined together, such aswith a clamp 117 shown in FIGS. 9-10. Terminal ends of the first andsecond portions 216 a, 216 b are configured for connecting to pipesections (not shown) such that the sealing assembly 200 is disposedin-line between adjoining pipe sections.

The housing 116 has a generally circular cross-section with a hollowinterior between a first end 218 and a second end 220 extending along alongitudinal axis 222. The housing 216 receives a plug 224 to seal thehousing interior between the first end 218 and the second end 220.

The plug 224 is seated against a seat 234 of one of the first portion216 a and the second portion 216 b. Similar to the plug 124 discussedherein with reference to FIGS. 1-5, the plug 224 is formed as aresiliently elastic body that is inserted into the interior of thehousing 216 for sealably interfacing with the seat 234. The plug 224 ismovable between a first, closed position (FIGS. 12-13), where the plug224 seals the interior of the housing 216 and prevents fluid frompassing therethrough, and a second, open position, where the plug 224 isdisengaged from the seat 234 to allow fluid to flow through the housing216. In various aspects, the plug 224 may be made from an elastomericmaterial, such as rubber. The composition of the elastomeric material ofthe plug 224 may be formulated to be chemically resistant to a varietyof fluids, such as water, oil, hydraulic fluid, various gases, and anyother liquid or gas. The plug 224 has a substantially conical body 246and a compression member 248 extending from the body 246. The shape ofthe body 246 desirably corresponds to the shape of the seat 234 suchthat the plug 224 may be in surface-to-surface contact with the seat 234when the plug 224 is in the closed position.

The compression member 248 has a first end 248 a connected to the body246 of the plug 224 and a second end 248 b extending from the first end248 a along a longitudinal axis of the body 246 of the plug 224. Thesecond end 248 b is connected to the housing 216, such as by beingreceived inside a receiver 294 extending across the interior of thehousing 216. The plug 224 may be pre-loaded such that the plug 224 isbiased in a normally closed position. In this manner, a watertight sealis provided at the interface between the plug 224 and the housing 216 toprevent water from flowing back into the fluid line through the housing216.

The flow of fluid through the housing 226 in the direction of arrow Cshown in FIGS. 12-13 urges the plug 224 away from the seat 234 such thatfluid may flow through an annular space defined between the plug 224 andthe seat 234. The body 246 of the plug 224 is forced away from the seat234 by the flowing fluid, thereby compressing the compression member248. Once fluid flow is reduced to a point where the restoring force ofthe compression member 248 is greater than the force of the fluid on thebody 246 of the plug 224, the compression member 248 “pushes” the body246 back into a sealing engagement with the seat 234. In this manner,the sealing assembly 200 acts as a one-way check valve to seal the fluidline and prevent fluid from flowing back into the fluid line.

With reference to FIGS. 16A-16B, the plug 124 is shown in accordancewith another aspect of the present disclosure. The plug 124 is formed asa resiliently elastic body that is configured to be inserted into theinterior of the housing 116 (shown in FIG. 1) for sealably interfacingwith the plug liner and/or the seat 134 (shown in FIG. 1). The plug 124has a substantially conical body 146 and a tension member 148 extendingfrom the body 146. The shape of the body 146 desirably corresponds tothe shape of the plug liner and/or the seat 134 such that the plug 124may be in surface-to-surface contact with the plug liner and/or the seat134. The tension member 148 terminates in a receiver 150 that is shapedto receive a pin 144. In some aspects, the receiver 150 may be asubstantially circular opening that is configured to receive the pin 144therethrough. The plug 124 is configured to be installed in the interiorof the housing 116 (shown in FIG. 1) such that the body 146 is seatedagainst the conical portion 132 of the housing 116 and the tensionmember 148 is connected to the recess 140 by way of the pin 144. In thismanner, a watertight seal is provided at the interface between the plug124 and the housing 116 to prevent water from flowing back into thefluid line 102 through the housing 116.

With continued reference to FIGS. 16A-16B, the plug 124 may be made froma plurality of components assembled or joined together to form the plug124. In some aspects, the plug 124 may have a core 170 at leastpartially enveloped by a cover 172. The core 170 may be solid, such asshown in FIG. 16A, or hollow, such as shown in FIG. 16B. With referenceto FIG. 16A, the core 170 may be a solid, one-piece or multi-piecemember formed from plastic, metal, hard rubber, or other material thatis more rigid than the elastomeric cover 172. With reference to FIG.16B, the core 170 may be a hollow, one-piece or multi-piece memberhaving at least one hollow interior cavity 174. In one example, the core170 may have a skeleton structure 176, optionally having one or moreopenings 178. The skeleton structure 176 surrounds the hollow interiorcavity 174. In other aspects, the hollow interior cavity 174 may haveone or more struts (not shown) extending across the interior cavitybetween portions of the inner wall of the skeleton structure 176.

In either of the aspects shown in FIGS. 16A-16B, the core 170 is atleast partially enveloped or surrounded by the cover 172. Desirably, thecover 172 circumscribes the body of the core 170 to form a sealing bodythat engages against an inner sidewall of the fluid conduit, such as theseat 134. In some examples, the cover 172 may completely cover anexterior surface of the core 170. In other examples, the cover 172 mayhave a plurality of cover portions, such as cover rings, that are spacedapart from one another along the core 170. The cover 172 may have auniform or non-uniform thickness. In some examples, the cover 172 may bemade from an elastomeric material that is different from the materialfrom which the core 170 is made. Desirably, the elastomeric cover 172 ismade from a material with a higher elasticity compared to the materialof the core 170 to allow the outer surface of the cover 172 to conformto the seat 134, thereby forming a fluid-tight seal. In some aspects,both the cover 172 and the seat 134 may be made from elastomericmaterials, such as rubber, where the cover 172 has higher elasticitycompared to the core 170. In other aspects, the cover 172 may be madefrom an elastomeric material, while the core 170 is made from a rigidmaterial, such as plastic or metal. The cover 172 may be removably ornon-removably attached to the core 170, such as by molding, adhesion, orfriction fit. In some aspects, the cover 172 may be co-molded with thecore 170. The cover 172 may be made from the same or different materialas the tension member 148.

With continued reference to FIGS. 16A-16B, an end of the plug 124opposite to the attachment point of the tension member 148 to the plugbody 146 may have at least one recess 180. In some aspects, the recess180 provides an increased surface area against which fluid may act uponto push the plug body 146 in a direction opposite to a normal directionof fluid flow through the conduit. In this manner, the plug 124 may haveimproved one-way sealing properties, whereby the hydraulic force of thefluid acting on the face of the plug 124 further urges the plug 124against the plug liner and/or the seat 134.

With continued reference to FIGS. 16A-16B, the body 146 of the plug 124has one or more sealing elements 160. In some aspects, the one or moresealing elements 160 may be formed as one or more sealing rings thatextend around the circumference of the body 146 of the plug 124. The oneor more sealing elements 160 may be spaced apart longitudinally at equalor unequal intervals. In some aspects, the one or more sealing elements160 may be monolithically formed with the body 146 of the plug 124. Inother aspects, the one or more sealing elements 160 may be formedseparately and connected to the body 146. For example, the one or moresealing elements 160 may be fitted into a circumferential groove formedon the body 146. The one or more sealing elements 160 are configured toengage the seat 134 on the housing 116 such that a water-tight seal isformed around the circumference of the plug 124 at the interface betweenthe one or more sealing elements 160 and the seat 134 on the housing116.

While various aspects or embodiments of the sealing apparatus 100 havebeen described with specific use directed to swimming pools, hot tubs,and/or spas, it should be noted that the sealing apparatus 100 may beconfigured for use in various other settings. For example, the sealingapparatus 100 may be configured for use in any fluid system whereone-way flow control is desired, such as in a food service,petrochemical, or other industrial application. In this manner, thesealing apparatus 100 may function as a one-way check valve that isinstalled inline or at a terminal end of a fluid conduit. The sealingapparatus 100 may be used in various fields of endeavor.

While specific aspects or embodiments of various examples of a sealingassembly have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to thosedetails could be developed in light of the overall teachings of thedisclosure. The presently preferred and non-limiting aspects orembodiments described herein are meant to be illustrative only and notlimiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the fullbreadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A sealing assembly for controlling a flowof fluid through a fluid line, the sealing assembly comprising: ahousing having a first end opposite a second end with a hollow interiorextending therebetween; an elastically resilient plug disposed withinthe hollow interior, the plug having a body engagable with a seat withinthe housing and a tension member having a first end connected to thebody and a second end connected to the housing, wherein the tensionmember is pre-loaded in tension to urge the body of the plug against theseat to seal the hollow interior of the housing, and wherein the body ismovable away from the seat when the plug is acted upon by a fluidpressure greater than a pre-load force of the tension member.
 2. Thesealing assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a flange thatprotrudes radially outward from the housing at the first end of thehousing.
 3. The sealing assembly of claim 2, wherein the flangecomprises one or more gripping members to facilitate handling of thehousing during connection of the housing to the fluid line.
 4. Thesealing assembly of claim 2, wherein the flange comprises one or morethreads to threadably interface with at least a portion of the fluidline to removably connect the housing to the fluid line.
 5. The sealingassembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the body of the plug andthe seat have a conical shape.
 6. The sealing assembly of claim 1,wherein the seat comprises a liner and wherein the body of the plugdirectly engages the liner.
 7. The sealing assembly of claim 1, whereinthe plug is made from an elastomeric material.
 8. The sealing assemblyof claim 1, wherein the second end of the tension member has a bulboustail that is received in a slot between a pair of substantially parallelbars extending across the hollow interior of the housing.
 9. The sealingassembly of claim 8, wherein the plug has at least one gripping elementprotruding from at least one of the body and the bulbous tail.
 10. Thesealing assembly of claim 1, wherein the plug comprises a core and acover at least partially surrounding the core.
 11. The sealing assemblyof claim 10, wherein the core is hollow or solid.
 12. The sealingassembly of claim 10, wherein the cover completely envelops the core.13. A one-way check valve comprising: a housing having a hollowinterior; an elastomeric plug sealing the hollow interior of thehousing, the plug having a body engaged with a seat within the housingand a pre-loaded tension member having a first end connected to the bodyand a second end connected to the housing, wherein the plug is movableaway from the seat when the plug is acted upon by a fluid pressuregreater than a pre-load force of the tension member, and wherein atleast one of the body of the plug and the seat have a conical shape. 14.The one-way check valve of claim 13, wherein the housing comprises aflange that protrudes radially outward from the housing at the first endof the housing.
 15. The one-way check valve of claim 14, wherein theflange comprises one or more gripping members to facilitate handling ofthe housing during connection of the housing to the fluid line.
 16. Theone-way check valve of claim 14, wherein the flange comprises one ormore threads to threadably interface with at least a portion of thefluid line to removably connect the housing to the fluid line.
 17. Theone-way check valve of claim 13, wherein the second end of the tensionmember has a bulbous tail that is received in a slot between a pair ofsubstantially parallel bars extending across the hollow interior of thehousing.
 18. The one-way check valve of claim 13, wherein the plugcomprises a core and a cover at least partially surrounding the core.19. A sealing assembly for controlling a flow of fluid through a fluidline, the sealing assembly comprising: a housing having a first endopposite a second end with a hollow interior extending therebetween; anelastomeric plug disposed within the hollow interior, the plug having abody engagable with a seat within the housing and an elastic compressionmember having a first end connected to the body and a second endconnected to the housing, wherein the compression member is pre-loadedin compression to urge the body of the plug against the seat to seal thehollow interior of the housing, wherein the body is movable away fromthe seat when the plug is acted upon by a fluid pressure greater than apre-load force of the compression member, and wherein the plug has asubstantially conical body shaped to correspond to a shape of the seatsuch that the plug and the seat are in a surface-to-surface contact.